Bilateral Cataract Anaesthetic — FRCA Final MCQ

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HardDay SurgeryBilateral Cataract AnaestheticFRCA Final

Most appropriate anaesthetic for bilateral sequential phacoemulsification cataract surgery as day case?

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Correct answer: B — Topical anaesthesia with intracameral lidocaine

Topical (proxymetacaine) + intracameral lidocaine preferred for modern phaco: avoids needle-based risks (globe perforation, retrobulbar haemorrhage), no postop pad, immediate visual rehab, fastest recovery. Patient must be cooperative and fixate.

Reference: RCOphth – 2023 – Cataract surgery: anaesthetic technique